Picnic and camping permits for 2025 go on sale Thursday, Jan. 2. 

Permits will be available on a first come, first served basis and can be purchased online or at a visitor center.

Please note: Groups of 25 or more that gather in a preserve or at a visitor center must obtain a permit in advance. Groups that use a picnic shelter can obtain a picnic permit. If a picnic shelter isn't needed for a gathering, a special use permit will be required to ensure there is space and parking available and that Forest Preserve staff and police are aware of the event. To obtain a special use permit, email [email protected] or call 815-722-5894. 

Picnic permits

Picnic permits are available for more than 30 rentable shelters nestled in forest preserves throughout Will County. Permits are required for groups of 25 or more and encouraged for smaller groups that want to ensure the use of a specific shelter location.

Browse picnic permit details and view photos of the shelters on the Picnicking Page before deciding on a location for your 2025 get-together with family, friends or colleagues.

Camping permits

Tent camping is allowed at Forked Creek Preserve – Ballou Road Access in Wesley Township, Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve in Crete Township, Hammel Woods – DuPage River Access in Shorewood, McKinley Woods – Frederick’s Grove in Channahon and Messenger Woods Nature Preserve in Homer Township.

Camping permits can be obtained online or in person. Visit the Camping Page to view campsites and learn more about each location. A permit must be obtained no less than two business days prior to the reservation.

Additional permits

Dog park permits for 2025 have been on sale since Nov. 1. The Forest Preserve has six dog parks located throughout Will County. Permits also are required for nondistrict events and for photos and video taken in the preserves by a for-profit photographer.